Revitalizing Faith: How the Church Can Embrace Rewilding This World Environment Day

On the eve of World Environment Day, members from CCA and Wild Card gathered outside Church House with a big pink banner. We shared leaflets with people passing by and those entering the building, expressing our hope that the Church Commissioners would commit to protecting the Earth. Our main focus? Increasing biodiversity, which is essential for our survival.

The UK has pledged to enhance 30% of its wildlife and marine areas by 2030, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. We believe the Church Commissioners should lead by example and aim to rewild 30% of their lands by the same deadline.

This marks our third attempt to connect with the Church Commissioners. In part of our letter, we expressed the urgency of our cause:

"We want the Earth to continue being a reliable life support system. Without rich biodiversity, we risk losing productive soils, pollinator-dependent plants, clean waterways, vibrant seas, and fresh air. Vast lands could turn into deserts."

Biodiversity loss isn’t just a concern for environmentalists; it’s a pressing issue we all face. Recent statistics show that nearly 1 million species are at risk of extinction within the next few decades, according to the UN’s Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

As we push for change, community support plays a crucial role. Many people are rallying on social media, sharing personal stories about the importance of local wildlife and green spaces. This collective sentiment is vital in keeping the conversation alive and advocating for action.

In a world where nature faces countless challenges, it’s clear that we all have a part to play. By encouraging key institutions like the Church of England to prioritize biodiversity, we can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

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